The higher categories of soil classification are reviewed and changes recognized by the U. S. Dept. Agric. since 1938 are summarized. The Zonal and Intrazonal orders are held to be based too largely on genetic considerations and too little on soil properties to be suitable for a natural classification. The suborders of Intrazonal soils are criticized for the same reasons. Great soil groups have been defined in terms of soil properties for the most part and are suitable for a natural classification.